BajaNomad - Lost Motorhome

Lost Motorhome

svanhinsbergh - 3-31-2008 at 03:15 AM

Back in 2002 I had a personal tragedy and had to leave my much loved Motorhome - roughly a mile away from the San Jose airport on a plot of land overlooking the Arroyo that goes down to La Playita. As it was urgent I left immediately, I had to leave it with a young man someone introduced me, to who promised to keep in touch through email. This he did for a couple of months but then all went quiet. Because I could not return from England, I have been left feeling cheated. His name is ******* *******. He was trying to set up a small Art Gallery in San jose. The Motorhome was 32 ft Dodge. Green and White.
Any sightings of either would be so much appreciated.

[Edited on 3-31-2008 by Hose A]

ligui - 3-31-2008 at 06:20 AM

Six years away is a long time . Large favor to ask someone you don't know .

Good luck

cabokid - 3-31-2008 at 06:47 AM

Sold for storage!

svanhinsbergh - 3-31-2008 at 06:55 AM

Not exactly favour to me as he had only a little shack to live in, and I told him he could use it. It was a mutual favour based on trust and obviously in my case I was caught between a rock and a hard place.

DENNIS - 3-31-2008 at 07:11 AM

It's a shame you lost it but, you're expecting way too much. If this happened in England, would you expect it to be just as you left it? I doubt that it would be.
Put it behind you and move on. It's gone.

Bruce R Leech - 3-31-2008 at 08:10 AM

If you do find ether him or the moter home just don't say a thing about it. you don't want to open that can of worms if you do you will regret it. try to learn about how things work in Mexico and you will enjoy life here allot more.

capt. mike - 3-31-2008 at 09:43 AM

you broke the law technically speaking by abandoning it. you are responsible to get it out of the country at your expense and/ or renewing the 6 month vehicle approval to drive in mexico if it isn't being imported fully legally.
i'd forget it now. sorry to hear it happened to you tho.

DENNIS - 3-31-2008 at 12:04 PM

By the way....Welcome to BajaNomad. You deserve that much anyway.

Taco de Baja - 3-31-2008 at 03:17 PM

Probably a long shot at this being yours. But it IS (was) probably stolen....Couldn't tell you the make, but it is white and green, dusty and trashed

805gregg - 4-1-2008 at 07:10 AM

You give a new meaning to "Mi Casa es su Casa".

rts551 - 4-1-2008 at 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Taco de Baja
Probably a long shot at this being yours. But it IS (was) probably stolen....Couldn't tell you the make, but it is white and green, dusty and trashed

I would like to know how you can tell if it is "probably" stolen?

Taco de Baja - 4-1-2008 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

I would like to know how you can tell if it is "probably" stolen?

Remote beach.
CA plates way out of date.
No mexican plates.

Diver - 4-1-2008 at 10:00 AM

Maybe it wasn't stolen.
Maybe some nice guy from England just gave it to him ? :lol:

Wait, I think I found it !!!
It is in cherry condition, just waxed with a full tank of gas and many upgrades.
He will drive it to England for you anytime. :biggrin:

(oops, April Fools is another thread).
.

[Edited on 4-1-2008 by Diver]

Von - 4-1-2008 at 10:17 AM

6yrs gone and stolen mmmm :?:

:? I think you should eat a fish taco and ponder about that thought amigo...

svanhinsbergh - 4-2-2008 at 09:03 AM

Many thanks for all your "support". Schadenfreude comes to mind with some.I hope you do not find yourselves in the dire circumstances I was in... Thank you Taco de Baja for your photos. As I am in incurable believer in the intrinsic good of most people I thought there might be a glimmer of hope.
I lived in Cabo San Lucas for 4 years from 1989..... things have changed. I did not mean to suggest he had "stolen" it - just appropriated it. I had no choice and he got lucky.

DENNIS - 4-2-2008 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by svanhinsbergh
Schadenfreude

OK...Enlighten us please. What's it mean?

surfer jim - 4-2-2008 at 12:55 PM

That is the correct word for most of the replies here..... :no:

DENNIS - 4-2-2008 at 01:54 PM

Some of the replies were a little rough, I'll admit but, I didn't see anybody gloating about the situation. The circumstances, as they were presented, were extraordinary. Not that he had to quickly leave the country but, that anybody would expect his property to be where he left it after four years, in a poverty stricken area. As he said, the caretaker resided in a Kotex box until Santa Clause came along and gave him a home.
Nobody here was trying to be insensitive. The replies fit the inquiry.
Sorry I added to your grief.

bajamigo - 4-2-2008 at 03:13 PM

Am I the only one who thinks the guy to whom the property was entrusted may be completely innocent? Circumstances can change dramatically in six years. The guy may even be dead. So unless there was some reasonable way for him to call Great Britain, I don't see how the "aggrieved" party could have entertained an expectation that his property would be taken care of indefinitely.

Natalie Ann - 4-2-2008 at 03:20 PM

Bajamigo - fwiw I never saw the other guy as being 'guilty' of anything other than having the misfortune to have, for awhile, his name (with some dirt implied about it) broadcast on the pages of this board. Thank goodness for moderators. :smug:

Nena

(edited to make my sentence sensical)

[Edited on 4-2-2008 by Natalie Ann]

David K - 4-2-2008 at 06:02 PM

I am wondering why not leave it at an RV Park and arrange for long term rental of the space there? Too late for svanhinsbergh, but for others? I remember Mike Humfreville's motorhome abandonment story at Cataviña...

svanhinsbergh - 4-3-2008 at 01:37 AM

He knew about the sad situation I was in which partially involved finances. He was completely IT literate . He initially sent a couple of emails. He had 3 contact numbers . He knew he could call Collect. I realise something out of the ordinary could have happened. I tend to always think the best of people...ergo my trust in him. Had I had more time I would obviously have not done something so drastic.
I merely thought someone might have seen RV as it was in a very noticeable position somewhere in Santa Rosalia.
I appreciate your observations.

svanhinsbergh - 4-3-2008 at 01:50 AM

How did the rose ever open its heart
and give to this world all of its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light against it's being,
otherwise we all remain too frightened.

I realise also that this gentleman got lucky and maybe that was how it was meant to be.
A lady alone with a 24 hour deadline - not easy.

Kell-Baja - 4-3-2008 at 11:42 AM

I Tend to agree

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamigo
Am I the only one who thinks the guy to whom the property was entrusted may be completely innocent? Circumstances can change dramatically in six years. The guy may even be dead. So unless there was some reasonable way for him to call Great Britain, I don't see how the "aggrieved" party could have entertained an expectation that his property would be taken care of indefinitely.

Pescador - 4-3-2008 at 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by svanhinsbergh
He knew about the sad situation I was in which partially involved finances. He was completely IT literate . He initially sent a couple of emails. He had 3 contact numbers . He knew he could call Collect. I realise something out of the ordinary could have happened. I tend to always think the best of people...ergo my trust in him. Had I had more time I would obviously have not done something so drastic.
I merely thought someone might have seen RV as it was in a very noticeable position somewhere in Santa Rosalia.
I appreciate your observations.

I thought I had followed this story but now the motorhome ends up in Santa Rosalia. Prey tell, how did it get from San Jose del Cabo to Santa Rosalia. I did not think anything that I had seen in this area was even related but now I am not so sure.

ligui - 4-3-2008 at 07:51 PM

6 years and a new city , is this a april fools joke ? *ell if i couldn't come to pay the rent for parking in someones yard, i'd give it to them.

:bounce:

ligui

DENNIS - 4-3-2008 at 07:54 PM

Good eye, Pescador. This whole thing needs to be run through Smell Check.

svanhinsbergh - 4-5-2008 at 02:06 AM

Not Santa Rosalia. Forget name of the little village on the way to the Airport at San Jose.

svanhinsbergh - 4-5-2008 at 02:13 AM

I realise I have inspired some rather offensive replies to my misfortune. It seems that I am perceived as gullible and stupid. This man was using and living in my beautiful RV. It was a fair exchange. Why would I pay him rent. I hope none of the cynical Nomad participants find themselves in comprable circumstances, having shown so little sympathy for me.

DENNIS - 4-5-2008 at 07:33 AM

Perhaps the man knew the unwritten rules of life. That being, Noblesse Oblige has a shelf life of two years, no more. Forever Grateful wears thin over time and beautiful RVs gather dirt as the value diminishes. He may have done you a favor by disposing of your property before it became a worthless eyesore.

DENNIS - 4-5-2008 at 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho
What's your purpose here?

Indeed.

Your request was unusual to unreal. Thanks for understanding our apprehensions. They weren't born of meanness.

[Edited on 4-6-2008 by DENNIS]

Phil S - 4-5-2008 at 06:42 PM

You "certain" Nomads "always" respond the same way. Always!!!!!!!
Now I read this as someone who was asking us for some help. Seems "those" get a little nasty on weekends, more so than on the weekdays.?????????
I think that if someone in the San Jose del Cabo area has the time to U2U him, and ask for the name, they could check some of the "galleries" around the area and see if someone recognizes the name. Perhaps they if they speak Spanish, could check the local police office. Perhaps a full description of the motorhome, with license plate numbers for us. I don't think the fellow 'ran off' with the motorhome. Perhaps some circumstances he had no control over, cause him to quit contacting the owner. Who knows. But I would think that 'svan' might be a little emotionable after all these years. AND, perhaps he just discovered our site, and thought perhaps this is a way of getting some help for him. And if I were in San Jose, I'd bust my butt to see what I could find out for him. I think you all might be surprised what will come out of this.

[Edited on 4-6-2008 by Phil S]

surfer jim - 4-6-2008 at 08:07 AM

Notice that those on the attack have offered NOTHING in the way of assistance to answer the origional question.....

Diver - 4-6-2008 at 08:17 AM

When someone tells you a joke, aren't you are supposed to laugh !?
Not meanness just good humour.
Someone is this thread is a fool; question is who ?
.

svanhinsbergh - 4-15-2008 at 04:59 AM

PHilS,
Finally someone with compassion and a lack of cynicism. Yes you are right that I did not in any way intend to malign the young man. I am sure he did and remains to have good intentions, as I had let him live in it indefinitely. Having spent the years 1989-1996 in this area, I realise how difficult communication can be. Possibly he got locked out of his Hotmail account AND lost my telephone number and address. Stranger things have been known to happen. The only reason I mentioned his name was not to get him in to trouble in any way, but maybe naively thought it might help in locating and contacting him.
Obviously I do not want to involve the police.
Surfer Jim was so perceptive to notice that: "those on the attack have offered NOTHING in the way of assistance to answer the origional question..."
I really merely thought it was worth another try. I used this forum before. I hope to come back to the Baja to live in a couple of years, and I am for ever the eternal optimist ( I even tried to see it on Google Earth). This optimism undoubtedly allowed me to trust in human nature and I will continue to do so. In no way do I feel bitter just very sad.
Susie

svanhinsbergh - 4-15-2008 at 05:05 AM

Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. :!:

vandenberg - 4-15-2008 at 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by svanhinsbergh
Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. :!:

About time to "get born again" :biggrin:

another "groupthink" attack

pacificobob - 4-15-2008 at 12:47 PM

attacks on forum "outsiders" such as this one are just the thing that has me wondering why i have this site bookmarked. i follow several forums, and have never seen such a group so ready to pounce.....its an unfortunate reflection on the many thoughtful and helpful members of this forum. the guy with the question about the motorhome seems like a guy just looking for helpful suggestions.

motoged - 4-15-2008 at 01:08 PM

PB,
This forum is a Love-In compared to a forum I came across preparing for a few weeks in the Zihuatanejo area....two webmasters involved in law-suits (double-breasted w/ pinstripes by the sounds of it) have a running battle, posters lobbing grenades at each other, and with regulars who are WAY more opinionated than some on this Forum (hard to believe....but true:lol

I quite enjoy this forum....informative and entertaining without being too abusive....

Just looking in....

The Gull - 4-15-2008 at 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
I thought I had followed this story but now the motorhome ends up in Santa Rosalia. Prey tell, how did it get from San Jose del Cabo to Santa Rosalia. I did not think anything that I had seen in this area was even related but now I am not so sure.

Fisherman, there were these two golden retrievers in a truck who when they were stolen turned out to be labradors... excuse me I maybe trapped in the "you may not believe this tale of woe" deja vu.

The motorhome is probably right where it was last, six years ago, in an unmarked, unnamed, nondescript location occupied by who knows who. It may take someone (no names mentioned) to go there, assuming their past financial situation has become less dire, today.

Moral of the story - The *************** who takes care of themselves. (imagine what could be written where the stars appear)

found it

BajaDanD - 4-15-2008 at 11:05 PM

Just kidding

Serf camp 1.jpg - 35kB

Sharksbaja - 4-16-2008 at 12:08 AM

How do you know it isn't? White and possibly green.

Isn't that a 91' Dodge? :wow:

Question: How long does a derelict(luv that word) motor home last in Baja.

That is, a coach without an owner.

svanhinsbergh - 4-24-2008 at 11:22 AM

Just to add that I am a lady and at the time my daughter was 10. My Motorhome was my home and much cherished. There is nothing else to add. I certainly did not expect such uncharitable and cynical replies.

Phil S - 4-25-2008 at 06:01 PM

I've been on this chat room for years. I'm not surprised at all. I'm sort of suprised that NO ONE from the San Jose Del Caba has stepped up to see what they could find out for you. There are some great Nomads down there. Have they all returned to the state all ready/??????????

livencabo - 4-25-2008 at 08:48 PM

Some people amuse themselves by sparking interest with absurd and/or inflammatory blogs just to liven things up. They are called trolls and some people are sensitive, perhaps overly so, to their missives.
Anyway, haven't seen your land yacht in Santa Rosa. Six years ago? Things have changed with respect to vehicle papers and your new friend probably had to think and act fast or you might look in the corralon... that is where impounded vehicles wind up.
It is my practice to respond even to suspected trolls in case someone has a legitimate similar situation.

svanhinsbergh - 4-26-2008 at 02:00 AM

I must try and return. Hope I do not meet too many Trolls.....

Your point has been made

The Gull - 4-26-2008 at 07:22 AM

it may be time to let things go

Livenincabo, your point passed overhead.

[Edited on 4-26-2008 by The Gull]

Wingnut - 4-28-2008 at 05:18 PM

This is an interesting situation. Irregardless of what caused the quick departure, how long did your friend occupy the motorhome and communicate with you? I take it there was no information from the occupant that there were problems on the horizon? Often times depending on their situation, a lot of the residents of Baja are from other parts of Mexico or elsewhere and their situations change. Sometimes they can see it coming and sometimes they can't. It's quite possible that your friend has moved on for various reasons. It sounds like from your description, that this person did not have a lot of money, so I doubt he had the funds to pay for license and title on the vehicle much less Mexican plates.
Six years is a long time to expect things to remain constant, but who knows, it may still be sitting there. Just where exactly was not in your email, and it may be necessary for that information for anyone to drive by and see if it's there.

Now as to all the cynics out there, I am afraid I have to agree with them to a degree. Your initial posting left a lot to be desired to be seriously considered as a request for help. Frustrated I am sure, but six years ago? Most reasonable people would feel like you were pulling their leg unless you phrased your request a little differently. I do not find their cynacism misplaced at all. Hopefully someone in the area will read this thread and see if they can find the area you left it in and report back to you. Best guess is that your motorhome has been declared abandoned and removed from the area or given to the resident as abandoned property. Legally it is probably his now.

As to your faith in the human race, I applaud your sentiments and wish you luck in future dealings with them. I also know that many nomads would assist you if possible should that occassion arise again. :saint: